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New law set to give renters right to request pet
Under the new legislation, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet.
Long-promised reform could help reduce number of pets rehomed.

Renters could soon get the right to request to keep a pet under a new Renters’ Rights Bill announced by the government.

As part of the proposed law, landlords will have to consider any requests and will be unable to unreasonably refuse them. Landlords will be able to require that the tenant’s pet insurance covers any damage to the property.

The rules are similar to measures which the previous government had planned to introduce. However, the legislation failed to make its way through Parliament before the general election.

According to animal rehoming charities, not being able to find pet-friendly rental accommodation is a regular factor in people having to relinquish their pet.  

Dogs Trust has reported that around 15 per cent of people contacting them about rehoming their dog mention accommodation issues, while Cats Protection has said that it takes in at least three cats a day because of landlords not allowing them in their property.

Research by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection found that while 46 per cent of landlords say they allow pets, just 30 per cent of tenants say their landlord would allow a dog in the property.

Both charities have welcomed the new legislation, as has the RSPCA.

Harriet Main, the RSPCA’s public affairs manager, said: "This is a potentially exciting day for many prospective pet owners in England - who have been unfairly denied the chance to own a pet purely because of living in rental accommodation.

“We also know many existing pet owners have also faced the heartbreaking prospect of having to rehome their animals to access certain accommodation - and hopefully that will soon be a thing of the past.

“Pets should absolutely be allowed to live with their owners in suitable, rented accommodation – unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so. The RSPCA hopes this new law will not only help keep loving owners and their pets together; but open up pet ownership to millions of people living in the private rented sector.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.